15 Reasons Dubai Is the Place for Health Nuts to Vacay

Thinking of a getaway? Dubai is a one-stop destination for all things health and wellness — plus a side of serious glam. Our insider guide to the city has all the info you need for where to eat, sleep, Snap and sweat it out.

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Dubai by hot air balloon

1. You’ll find better views than Drake

If you’re the high-flying type, book a hot air balloon ride in the desert outside of Dubai and rise with the sun. Afterward, make like Kim Kardashian West and try a desert tour by vintage Land Rover or even a camel ride.

2. Air travel to Dubai is first class

Want to get off your flight feeling more refreshed than when you got on? Emirates business class makes it possible. Expect healthy meal options, and reclining chairs for the best in-flight beauty sleep of your life. Naturally, Bvlgari beauty essentials are available should you need them. It may be business class, but it’s first-class service all the way.

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Dubai spice market

3. The city makes it easy to complete all the circles on your Apple Watch

Dubai’s outdoor markets are the perfect venue to hit your daily 10-k step goals. Wander through the streets of the spice market for fresh saffron and traditional leather slip-on shoes. Then at the gold market, you can try as much yellow gold jewellery as your heart desires — no Kira Kira app needed.

4. Relaxation’s a cinch

Lounging like a Hadid sister is easy at Dubai’s many oceanside cabanas. At the newly opened Bvlgari Resort Dubai (which is favoured by Bella), you can rent a spot for you and your friends right on the beach. And yes, a staff member will be on hand to keep the beverages flowing.

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Hatta, an enclave of Dubai

5. You’ll get outside

Over the past few years, Dubai has become focused on healthy living. In the city, you can enjoy free outdoor yoga classes at the mall. For more outdoor adventures, head to Hatta for a day of hiking and kayaking by the beach.

6. You can eat just like Martha Stewart

An authentic Arabian tea house is a must — just ask Martha. The culinary master visited Arabian Tea House and Café in Bastakiya, where she Instagrammed its famous heart-shaped pitas. The breakfast platters are ideal for sampling a bit of everything, and the Arabic coffee is worth savouring.

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Burj Al Arab

7. You might just enjoy 7-star amenities (yeah, they’re a thing!)

Feeling OTT? Forget 5 stars, because Dubai is home to the world’s only 7-star hotel: the Burj Al Arab. It’s total and utter luxury, but if the ornate rooms are beyond your budget, a quick look through the lobby is enough to change your views of what #decorgoals are all about.

8. There are spas galore

A little R&R never hurts, and Dubai has tons of spa destinations to choose from. At the Four Seasons property, you can book in for a custom appointment. Whether you go for the signature pearl facial, crystal detox body wrap or classic massage, the spa offers the kind of luxe treatments that don’t disappoint.

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Burj al Khalifa

9. You can visit the top of the world

No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the Burj al Khalifa. The 160-storey building is the tallest in the world, and its view of Dubai is one you won’t see anywhere else. Head right up to the observation deck for optimal Instagram opportunities.

10. A break from alcohol’s no prob

Mocktails are the new cocktails! In fact, many Dubai restaurants outside of hotels don’t even sell alcohol. Instead, you can find mocktails in all kinds of fruity blends to suit your tastes. Bottom’s up!

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The Dubai Mall

11. The giant mall requires tons of walking

Whether you’re looking for Hermès, Vuitton or Chanel, The Dubai Mall has it all — and then some. With over 1,200 stores, the shopping destination has tons of international and local favourites to choose from, so it’s best to set aside a good amount of time if you plan on browsing.

12. One-stop shops are here, too!

If you plan on checking in to one of Dubai’s many sprawling hotels, you may feel drawn to remain on the grounds at all time. In addition to beautiful rooms, amenities and seasonal markets, the hotels also have several restaurants — like the Jumeirah al Naseem nine options to choose from. Whether you sit beachside or poolside is the hardest decision you’ll have to make.

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An aqua-spin class

13. The water feels right

From April to October, you’ll likely want to take advantage of Dubai’s consistently good weather by booking an outdoor workout session. You can’t go wrong with yoga on the beach or paddle boarding, but according to Fairmont The Palm‘s instructors, the workout from water spinning is next-level amazing.

14. You’ll want to take a break to smell the roses

The Dubai Miracle Garden gives new meaning to flower power. Opened on V-Day in 2013, the one-of-a-kind grounds are packed with oversized castles, butterflies and full-size Emirates planes made out of more than 45 million flowers. No doubt this is one place where everything comes up roses.

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Mirzam

15. And if you’re craving a bit of guilty pleasure…

A tour at Mirzam Chocolate is unlike any other. The company sources the highest quality beans from places all across the world such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Madagascar. Each bar has a unique taste based on its place of origin, and is finished with a beautiful wrapper designed by a local artist. Trust us, it’s worth the indulgence.

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Dubai by hot air balloon

1. You’ll find better views than Drake

If you’re the high-flying type, book a hot air balloon ride in the desert outside of Dubai and rise with the sun. Afterward, make like Kim Kardashian West and try a desert tour by vintage Land Rover or even a camel ride.